IN MEMORIAM: Kenneth Hungerford, 89;

Oneonta Native Worked 39 Years For D&H

ONEONTA – Kenneth A. Hungerford, 89, of Olmstead Lane, Averill Park, an Oneonta native who served 39 years with the D&H Railroad, died on Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the Van Rensselaer Manor with family by his side.  Ken had recently moved to the Manor from his home after years of decline from dementia.

Born in Oneonta, Ken was the son of the late Ernest and Ina Edwards Hungerford and devoted husband of the late Shirley Young Hungerford.

Kenneth was raised and educated in Oneonta and had a long career with the D&H Railroad in Oneonta, later transferring to Watervliet. In 1960, he and Shirley moved the family to Averill Park. Ken’s career spanned 1947-1986 and he retired as manager of work equipment.

Ken also joined the New York Army National Guard in 1947 at the age of 17 and retired in 1974 with a rank of major.

He joined the Averill Park Sand Lake Fire Company in 1966 and became a life member in 1986. He served in many capacities over those years including captain in 1971, assistant chief in 1973-1976 and then served as vice president and president.

Ken was a member of the Church of the Covenant United Methodist in Averill Park. He enjoyed hunting, traveling and spending time with his grandchildren. He was a skilled welder and “fix-it man” helping many people in the area whenever they needed something.

After his retirement, Ken and Shirley traveled and spent winters at their home in Hollywood, Fla.

Survivors include his children, Diana (Bill) Melville of Carmel, Richard (Diane) Hungerford of Schroon Lake, Susan (George) Burns of Averill Park, Denise Lammers of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Kathy Ody of Averill Park; a stepsister, Sally (Don) Avery of Oneonta. He adored his nine grandchildren, Marcy (Chris) Martinovic, James (Tracey) Melville, Kelly, Rich and Rob Hungerford, Christina (Jeff) Kaneg, Megan (Mark) Mouded, Jared Burns, and Jessica Ody. He is also survived by several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Ken was the brother of the late Charles, Clyde, Lionel Hungerford, Laura Minutolo, and Esther LeDoux.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Koboe Bonney, for her loving and compassionate caregiving for over two years; Eddy Care Team Volunteer, Lori Gardner; and son-in-law George for all his help in numerous ways at a moment’s notice.

Funeral Service for Ken will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, in the Church of the Covenant, United Methodist, 3055 NY 43, Averill Park followed by burial in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, West Sand Lake.

Relatives and friends are invited and may also call from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, at the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, 2691 NY 43 at Glass Lake, Averill Park.

If desired, donations in memory of Kenneth A. Hungerford may be made to the Averill Park Sand Lake Fire Co., P.O. Box 116, Averill Park, NY, 12018. Visit perrykomdat.com for directions and a private guestbook.